There's a lady that works there that is super cool and helpful. I just started getting into comic…read morebooks and she's been helping me out with questions about certain series, where to get them if it's sold out. Also, how to protect comics using mylar or regular sleeves. They also have variants that I can't find elsewhere even though those stores are bigger. Also, this location has moved, I hope Yelp accepts the changes I made.

They recently changed ownership and name to Counterplay. Still in same spot at woburn mall, but…read moreseems to be much ran much better and store layout is better.

They have a good selection of older rock albums, but they massively overprice everything. They also…read morehave a tendency to claim an album is a more rare edition than it actually is so they can upcharge. Be sure to check everything on Discogs before buying. They will lower the price if you call them out on their shenanigans, though, so be diligent. Their recent arrivals section is usually pretty good, but the normal, already alphabetized stuff are pretty common records but marked up due to location. Honestly, I only ever look through the recent arrival stuff when I stop in nowadays. But again, check the editions before buying because they will absolutely claim it's a rarer edition when it's certainly not.

Small space near Littleton Common w passionate & knowledgeable staff…read more They have it all! Even some cassettes!! They also buy vinyl.

Loved everything about this store!! My kind of place and sad I haven't know about it sooner! First…read morethoughts I had was everyone should be shopping here when buying gifts, especially for kids! Endless amount of comics, old & new. I found an issue of a comic I've been collecting for many years so was very excited to add it! Plus the re-release of it! So excited to read. If I had kids this is where I would be choosing for them to get their books. Plenty of CD's, DVDs and Rock and Roll vinyls I purchased upstairs, the guy behind the counter was so nice and talking to other locals with kids digging through the 10/$1 pokemon card bins. Was so friendly with me and informative. Was happy with what I paid. Went downstairs and browsed through the toys, I wasn't to afford a toy I wanted this time around but hoping when I come back I can! I also had a feeling I would find this figurine I missed out many years ago and beat myself up for constantly. Didn't find it this time around but when I go back if it's not so busy I will ask if they've seen. Downside is I had to drive around looking for some street parking since they don't have a lot. It was a busy Saturday, but finally found one. Also the aisles are a little tight, there were some times I felt trapped or couldn't get by people. But they're doing the best they can with the layout!

This store is such a hidden gem. We spent over 2 hrs here looking at everything. There are 2…read morefloors. The upstairs has the comics and the basement has the toys. Everything is so well organized so it was very easy to browse and focus on what we really wanted. The staff were really nice and personable. Prices are also very decent. Def will be back!

What a lovely addition to our neighborhood. A lovely bookstore for the little humans in our life…read morewith a huge collection. Michelle is always smiling and ready to help. Quite a popular spot for book readings and any similar events. A collection even we adults stop to check out. The displays on the window is always fun to read.

Beanstalk Toy Shop is everything you want in a local business…read more They don't sell cheap, typical imported plastic toys here. This also isn't one of those boring educational toy stores that sells things kids don't want to play with. This place is something special. You can tell that everything here is lovingly hand selected- from wooden toys made in the USA to educational toys imported from Europe. Many toys are on offer to play with, and children can often be found doing just that- a good sign in a shop like this. The staff are knowledgeable, friendly and exceedingly willing to help you make a great selection. They really understand their products well and also have an uncanny knack to service special or odd requests. Every time we've visited, we've purchased a toy that was adored by it's recipient. If there is a special little someone in your life, you ought to get them something from Beanstalk Toy Shop. They will love it!

Finally got a chance to check out this great little toy store in Melrose. I was very impressed…read morewith the selection they had. The Playmobil section takes up an entire wall and they have toys of a slightly higher quality then some of the big box stores. They have a large selection of Melissa & Doug products as well as other toys for babies and toddlers. The main reason I was there was to check out the Lego bricks and sets. There were plenty to choose from be it the Duplo sets for kids under 4 to the larger Star Wars and Lego City sets. The very nice woman behind the register also said they can special order Lego sets if I had any specific ones in mind. You will find the prices are slightly higher then larger retailers or online shops, but if you're down for supporting local business then this is a great one to support. The store is extremely clean and very modern looking. I never had a local toy shop growing up but I'm glad I am able to bring my children to this one. If you're looking for quality toys and crafts, look no further than Beanstalk Toy Shop.

i go specifically to see al from cambridge. he has the older cards i need. her's a great dealerread more

While it has gone back and forth between two hotels recently and I prefer the Marriott location…read moreover this one, it is definitely a really great "almost weekly" show that will serve the needs of both vintage and modern collectors a like. Located inside the Best Western, there are two rooms and one sort of hallway for vendors to set up. As you enter, you pay the $2 entry fee which also gives you access to door prizes that normally pop off at 9:30 and noon. I even went after 12:00 one day and they let me in for free but be careful with this as some were already shutting down for the day. Doors open at 8:30 and you wouldn't believe how many people are out purchasing cards so early on a Sunday morning. I am a 99% vintage purchaser myself and there are plenty of booths offering up vintage commons, graded cards and raw at a fairly decent price. Pro tip: get to know the vendor, chat it up a bit and tell them you will be purchasing from them in bulk. They are more likely to give you a good deal. I had a $125 order one day and didn't have the cash for it all. While the vendor didn't offer up credit cards, the guy who runs the show was able to run it for me and the vendor gave me a much better deal in the process. I ended up spending over two hours with just with one seller. Plenty of patches, autos and the latest rookies to look through, I'd say the vendors are pretty evenly split between new and old. Parking can be tough but there are plenty of spots in the back. Remember, it is a functioning hotel so if it's a busy weekend, the lot is already almost full with visitors, on top of those coming for the card show itself. This is a long running show and the organization that goes into it shows through. Find them on Facebook to find out which week the show may be running. For example, they were off a few weekends the Pats were playing, or they closed early for the 1:00 games.

Nostos is an amazing local hobby shop that sells cool vintage toys, magic the gathering cards, and…read morecomic books. The store is extremely well put together, and clean. The owner Krisy went out of her way to email me back immediately (multiple times) when making a long drive to visit the shop. I wish we had a store like Nostos in my town!

A smallish shop with a good assortment of papers and some unique times. I do wish their stamp…read moreinventory was larger. It can be hit or miss depending on when you go in, whether there's lots to choose from or a limited supply. The staff is very helpful though which is great. They offer classes as well. Prices range from expensive to average, depending on the items.